Procter joins an already crowded stable of interior guard prospects battling for the two starting guard spots, and what is likely four spots on the 53-man roster.

How this battle royale plays out is anyone’s guess, unless Nate Garner’s undisclosed injury is more serious than the team initially let on.

Moving Smiley means the Dolphins have just gotten rid of the player ESPN The Magazine named the top pulling guard of 2009. However, it also clears $13 million off their financial books over the next three seasons.

Right now there’s Richie Incognito, whom Tony Sparano admittedly has a man crush on, holding down the starting right guard spot. Even though I haven’t taken a good look at Incognito, I’d be shocked if anyone beats him out for the right guard spot.

From what I’ve heard, Procter is a fairly average NFL backup. I’m told he definitely belongs in the league, but hasn’t exactly proved he’s starter material. Maybe Sparano knows something the Cowboys don’t considering Dallas wasn’t willing to pay him $1.7 million this season.

Donald Thomas, whom started half the season at left guard, is holding down Smiley’s old spot at left guard.

Thomas is one of the team’s strongest players, but he lacks in the durability department, is trying to fend off Garner.

Garner, a converted college tackle who started eight games last season, blew everyone away last season with how forceful, versatile and smart he was. But is he ready to become a full-time stater. The good think about Garner is he’s able to play tackle, so maybe he exits this competition.

Then there’s newcomer John Jerry, the Ole Miss right guard the Dolphins are converting into a left guard. The team invested a third-round pick in Jerry so you know he’s not going anywhere in 2010, unless he sticks.

And let’s not forget Jake Grove and Joe Berger, who are in the middle of a competitive battle for the starting center spot. The loser likely becomes the team’s primary backup interior lineman because you need both players active on game day.